Among the structures surviving from the era of Ancient Egypt, practically all relate to religion. Tombs in the shape of both pyramids, mastabas, and rock hewn structures were executed in a quality intended to survive time.Temples were built according to more fragile patterns, if compared to the tombs. Here walls were thinner and higher, and more decorated. Most of these did not surive time, but with the help of the creeping sand dunes, some of the larger temples were packed and protected through many centuries. Egyptian temples were standard in their form, a series of courts leading from the large open-air public space zone to the secret, holiest chambers into which only the high-priests and kings were permitted. Still, the temples contained a couple of items unique, like the naos and the obelisk.One surprising factor about Ancient Egypt is the near lack of surviving palaces. In this respect, Egypt differs substantially from other high cultures of ancient times. This illustrates well the extreme religous focus on death, and the life in the afterlife, among ancient Egyptians.No city survives, but one village does, the Workman's Village near the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. Inhabited by the best craftsmen of the time, there was no need to cheat when putting up their own homes and tombs.

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